Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular Rehabiliation Therapy (VRT) is the most vital tool at our disposal to recover from labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. It is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to alleviate symptoms caused by vestibular illness; for example vertigo and fatigue.

There are three different types of VRT exercises:

Habituation – designed to help reduce symptoms of dizziness which increase with movement or busy environments

Gaze Stabilization – used to control eye movements and alleviate eye pain

Balance Training – to increase steadiness and reduce fall risk

The Physiotherapist performs an individual assessment, and assigns you individual exercises for your specific weaknesses; for example gaze stability exercises if you suffer with eye pain. You must make a commitment to perform the exercises consistently to see an improvement. There is a very high success rate for recovery from labyrinthitis and vn by performing VRT daily. Your symptoms may increase for a short period when you begin VRT, but this is a positive sign that the vestibular system is beginning to work as it should.

VRT will not be recommended by all GP’s. In my experience many have actually never heard of it! I have sat in numerous doctors offices and explained how I recovered, and even gave them contact details of my physiotherapist to pass on to others. Some GP’s listened and some didnt want to know. If you have not begun VRT my advice is to find your nearest physiotherapist that specialises in VRT, and contact them immediately. I have listed all the clinics in Ireland on this site.